8/28 A Peek at Life at Edwin Shaw (from Shelley)

Dad is doing great at Edwin Shaw Rehab Hospital. We're thrilled that he is in a net bed to keep him safe! Also, we have great news...his trach was removed yesterday! His swallowing is improving, but the Speech Therapist says it is still a little slow. They will keep working on his swallowing and next week the doctor will order a modified barium swallowing test. If Dad does well with the swallowing test, he will then start eating food as recommended by the speech therapist. The last thing he has left in him is the feeding tube. They are still giving him nutrition through it until he is able to advance to eating on his own.

Dad's Contagious Laughter

I have to tell you that Dad is making the best out of all of this. I think I laughed more today spending the day with Dad in his therapy sessions than I normally do. He still has a quick wit that gets us laughing! Today the Speech Therapist was showing him pictures and asked him to identify a picture of a dog. She was pointing to the dog and asked him what it was. Dad said quickly and confidently, "NOSE!" and started laughing. Well, she was pointing to the nose of the dog, so technically he was right...and we all started laughing with him. He still has his signature laugh that he is so well known for and it is also very contagious...thanks Dad for brightening my day.

Here are a few pictures and videos from my visit with Dad today at Edwin Shaw.


Edwin Shaw Rehab Hospital



Dad & Auburn in front of his "net bed"


Dad visiting with Lauren



Lauren pushing Dad in his wheelchair

Videos of Therapy Today

He loves walking...

Walking to Stacey

He did great on the steps!

Moving himself in the wheelchair with his legs. I think he enjoys having some independent mobility. You'll notice he has a sling around him to keep him safe in the chair.

"Playing" pool

Lauren being a big "helper" pushing Grandpa Chuck in his wheelchair!